California Eviction Defense: Form UD-105 Answer & 5-Day Rule

California Code of Civil Procedure § 1167

In California, an eviction is called an Unlawful Detainer. Under CCP § 1167, a defendant has strictly 5 court days (excluding weekends and official judicial holidays) to file a written response with the Superior Court after being served with the summons and complaint.

Official Form UD-105 (Answer - Unlawful Detainer)

Tenants should use mandatory Judicial Council Form UD-105. The form allows you to deny specific allegations and check official affirmative defense boxes under Section 3, including breach of warranty of habitability (Civ. Code § 1941.1), retaliation (Civ. Code § 1942.5), and Tenant Protection Act (Civ. Code § 1946.2) just-cause violations.